Bridge vacuum clamping

[Kevin in California]

Guys,
I've decided I need to do something different to glue my classical bridges on. After 3 guitars, I realize that my WIFE may not always be around to put the clamping caul inside the guitar. You see my hand is too big to fit in the classical guitar sound hole, so I can't put the caul in under the bridge location.
So...... I think the best option is to get set up to use a vacuum clamp. What I'd like to do is use a vacuum venutri valve with my air compressor, and make, MAKE my own bridge clamp.
Have any of you made your own clamp for this, and if so would you be willing to share pictures, and how you made it. I am on a budget so I don't want shell out the dough for the one that LMI sells.
Any help in this direction would be appreciated. Thanks.

[ken cierp]

http://acousticguitarconstructionforum. ... ?f=7&t=817

[Kevin in California]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you Ken,
I shall be making one.

[Kevin in California]

I'm pretty excited to have this made so I don't have to call my wife to put her arm inside the classical guitar and stick the clamping caul under the top when its time to glue on the bridge!
I never new I could get this set up for so little $$$$$$. The venturi vacuum generator cost $18 at Harbor Freight. Guys, if you want to do this and you all ready own an air compressor, then this is an effective and super inexpensive way to get your vacuum
The clamp is made from yellow pine for the base, 1/4 plywood for the bezel, #8 by 3/4" sheet metal screws and the 1/32" neoprene sheet. The wood I already had. The fittings from the vacuum generator to the clamp are all from my drip irrigation parts stash, and a couple of pieces of larger poly tubing.
And some 3/8" x 3/16" closed cell door insulation foam. Total cost to make the bridge clamp, about $6.00. So I have a set up for under $25. It is not heavy duty, but since I only glue on about 2 bridges a year, I figure I'm good to go. The foam is cheap if I need to replace it after a couple uses.
The venturi exhaust is very loud, so I put it outside my shop, the door outside is right next to my compressor, and ran the drip line tubing, about 20 feet to the bench, and no problemo, still got vacuum and the noise was now outside. My compressor has a 27 gallon tank and within a few minutes, it kicks on, but that is okay. I am happy! I also made up a quick clamp for the body of the guitar. I can put in my vise and hold the guitar horizontal, or reclamp in the vise on the end, and hold the guitar with the sides up. I forgot to take a picture, but it worked great, and it cost me next to nothing! I''ll fix it up so it is more sturdy and secure, but there you go. Both clamping fixtures and a vacuum pump for about $25.

Thanks Ken and Dave for giving the info and pics on making your own clamping jig! Awesome!

[Dave Bagwill]

The $100 model for sale might not work as well as yours, but at least it's more expensive!